It's not just horse racing — it's the best darn party in town. The popular Downs After Dark, during the September and fall races at Churchill Downs, returns Sept. 5 with College Rivalry Night.

UK, U of L, Western, IU, Bellarmine, Harvard — it doesn't matter which school you root for, Churchill Downs challenges all college students, alumni and fans to show their team spirit by wearing their favorite school colors to the track for an evening of socializing and horse racing.

Rick Sneed, director of lifestyle communications at Churchill Downs, promises the first party in the Downs After Dark series will be a high-energy spectacular with live entertainment on the Plaza Stage by popular video DJ 2nd Nature of Atlanta, local college cheer and dance teams, and bands that will roam throughout the track giving impromptu performances.

Besides being a great way to socialize, cheer and watch the races, this party is also a fundraiser benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Churchill Downs is donating $1 from each admission and hosting donation stations throughout the track to raise funds to support the foundation's ongoing battle against cancer.

When you go, you'll have an opportunity to win a VIP Experience at the Jimmy V Classic, Dec. 9, when the U of L plays IU at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Times and tickets

The first race is at 6 p.m. and there are several ticketing and entertainment options, beginning with general admission at $10, which provides access to the Plaza and general public areas, as well as lower level grandstand seating.

Third-floor reserved box seats are available for $20 and include an official race program.

Seating in Millionaires Row and the Skye Terrace is $60 and includes a gourmet buffet, reserved seating and racing program.

Tickets to the new 21-plus Terrace Lounge are $25 and give you access to table and stadium seating, a complimentary non-premium cocktail, racing program, live DJ entertainment and premium food and beverage selections.

The Terrace Lounge also features several exclusive VIP cabanas that offer a premium tapas buffet and four-hour open bar for $99.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for night racing. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.ChurchillDowns.com.

Mark your calendar

The other two Downs After Dark events are Oktoberfest on Sept. 19, with gates opening at 4 p.m. and first race at 6 p.m., and Casino Royale on Nov. 14, with gates opening at 3 p.m. and first race at 4:30 p.m.

The Buzz will be buzzing around Downs After Dark and looking for fans to feature in my next column. Be sure to say "hi" and let me know what you like best about the event.

Reporter Kirby Adams can be reached at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville